Chaotic Current Waveforms in Electrodeposition: Modulating Joule Heating and Current Efficiency Toward Carbon Neutrality

Abstract

This study explored thermal and electrodeposition impacts of distinct chaotic current waveforms to enhance current efficiency and reduce heat loss through the regulation of electrode interfacial reaction dynamics, advancing current efficiency, energy conservation, and carbon neutrality. Two universal control methodology was developed to achieve independent amplitude and offset boosting of arbitrary chaotic signals, implemented through a specially designed chaotic circuit. Three distinct waveforms (w-, F-, and G-signals) were systematically investigated for their thermal and electrochemical effects. Experimental and COMSOL simulation results demonstrated that Joule heating was governed by both fluctuation amplitude and frequency characteristics, following the sequence w <  F <  G. When the current density was about 1500 A/m², the corresponding optimal voltage fluctuations were identified as 2.8 V (w), 0.51 V (F), and 0.23 V (G), yielding current efficiency improvements of 2.2%, 0.7%, and 5.1%, respectively, based on the electrodeposition experiments. Combining experiments on electrolytes at different temperatures with corresponding SEM characterization revealed that chaotic current suppresses manganese nodules not only through Joule heating-induced temperature rise, but also via effective regulation of the interfacial electrochemical environment, thus allowing effective inhibition even at lower temperatures. These findings provide both theoretical insights and practical methodologies for implementing chaotic currents in industrial electrodeposition processes.

Keywords

chaotic system control / current efficiency / electrodeposition of metal / electromagnetic induction / interface regulation / joule heat

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2025 The Author(s). Carbon Neutralization published by Wenzhou University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.